Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services Professionals Honoured at Government House
September 14, 2021
On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Lieutenant Governor Russ Mirasty will present Exemplary Service Medals and Star of Life Awards to Emergency Medical Services professionals at Government House, 4607 Dewdney Ave, Regina. The 2021 recipients will be honoured at a ceremony beginning at 10:00 am, and the 2020 recipients will be honoured at a ceremony beginning at 2:00 pm.
The Governor General’s EMS Exemplary Service Medal is Canada’s highest honour for paramedics. The medal and subsequent bars recognize 20, 30 and 40 years of service in responding to pre-hospital emergencies in Canada. The Star of Life Award recognizes outstanding commitment and acts of bravery.
2020 Recipients (Ceremony at 2:00 pm)
Governor General Exemplary Services Medal (40 years) – Second Bar
Martin Bowman – Mr. Bowman, an Advanced Care Paramedic with Medavie Health Services West has been a paramedic with the same company his entire career. Mr. Bowman was a Critical Care Paramedic for several years, flying with Saskatchewan Air Ambulance until 2014. At that time, he returned to working the street, and then focused on inter-facility transfers. Mr. Bowman has been dedicated to his patients and his vocation his entire career. Now, he is often called on to do Last Wish or MAID transfers because of his compassionate nature, sometimes even driving by someone’s favourite spot along the way or buying them a coffee for the trip. Although he does not teach as much as he used to, Mr. Bowman remains a registered ACLS instructor.
Gerald Schriemer – Mr. Schriemer, the Chief of Medavie Health Services West, is an instrumental figure in paramedicine, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally. It was evident early on that Mr. Schriemer realized that EMS would be a life-long career. His passion for learning and growth within paramedicine has been proven, as he obtained a Healthcare Administration Certificate as well as several other certifications. Mr. Schriemer has volunteered countless hours to EMS organizations such as the Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services Association (now Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan) where he served in several executive positions, and the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada where he is currently Treasurer and represents this organization on the International Board of Specialty Certification. Mr. Schriemer has also provided numerous hours of volunteerism to community organizations and was there to assist with both the 1988 Armenian Earthquake and the 2005 Tsunami in Bande Achi, Indonesia.
Governor General Exemplary Service Medal (30 years) – First Bar
David Reed – After spending 10 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, Mr. Reed joined Regina EMS and is now an Advanced Care Paramedic. Mr. Reed continues to be a role model to others, encouraging paramedics to take pride in their work and their uniform. He has served on national committees for the EMS National Dress Uniform and the Mess Uniform. Mr. Reed established the EMS Honour Guard in Saskatchewan and was appointed to the position of Regional Sergeant Major for Regina EMS. He also authored and implemented the first National Paramedic Drill and Ceremonial course. In 2013, Mr. Reed was appointed as the first Paramedic Aide-de-Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, a role he remained in until 2017. In addition, in 2015, Mr. Reed started the first self-training service dog program for first responders and veterans.
Governor General Exemplary Service Medal (20 years)
Patricia Adair – Ms. Adair put her whole heart and soul into her passion for EMS, especially Maryfield EMS, for 28 years. She became and EMR in 1991 and joined Maryfield EMS. In 1995, she became an EMT and then upgraded to Primary Care Paramedic in 2004. Ms. Adair became the Coordinator for Maryfield EMS in 2006. In addition, Ms. Adair taught CPR/First Aid for Red Cross and ensured high school students and the Sun Rise Villa staff were well prepared for emergency response. Ms. Adair advocated for rural EMS throughout her career. She retired in January 2019 and passed away in September of that same year.
Paul Hills – Mr. Hills, an Advanced Care Paramedic, has spent the last 19 years of his 20-year career with Medavie Health Services West in Saskatoon. In addition to being a street paramedic, Mr. Hills also spent some time working in the RUH Emergency Room. He then went on to join the Education Department at Medavie as a Professional Development Officer. In 2012, Mr. Hills became Assistant Operations Superintendent. He also became very involved with the Saskatoon Paramedic Association, the union representing Saskatoon paramedics and communications officers. Mr. Hills is currently the President of the union.
Allison Irvine – Ms. Irvine has been a Volunteer Medical First Responder in Shellbrook since 1994. Ms. Irvine, a compassionate and dedicated Medical First Responder with exemplary skills, regularly shares her knowledge with others so they are better equipped to help others in a crisis. In addition to working full-time, and volunteering as a Medical First Responder, Ms. Irvine is a volunteer firefighter in her community, and finds time to teach CPR and First Aid regularly. In 2003, Ms. Irvine was awarded with the Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services Association’s (now Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan) Star of Life Award.
Clayton Leduc – Mr. Leduc is an Intermediate Care Paramedic with Hutch Ambulance Moosomin. He started his career with Backlin’s Ambulance which was bought out by Hutch Ambulance in 2010. Throughout his career, Mr. Leduc has been the liaison between the physicians and nurses and the EMS staff in Moosomin. He is also an excellent mentor to all new employees. In addition, Mr. Leduc teaches CPR/First Aid on a voluntary basis, and contributes countless hours of volunteer time to the community of Moosomin including: The Royal Canadian Legion, OSI-Can, Air Cadets, Remembrance Day activities, and SADD/PARTY among many others.
Jeff Maxin – Mr. Maxin, an Advanced Care Paramedic with Medavie Health Services West has been a street paramedic, worked in the RUH Emergency Room and worked as flight paramedic with Saskatchewan Air Ambulance throughout his career. Mr. Maxin is currently an educator at Medavie where he manages education requirements for his team and is heavily involved in developing on-line courses. Mr. Maxin joined the Canadian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (Can ROS) n 2016 and became Chair in 2019. Mr. Maxin has contributed greatly to the advancement of paramedicine in Saskatchewan through his work in education and protocol development.
Carla Roy – Ms. Roy is an Advanced Care Paramedic with Medavie Health Services West in Saskatoon. Ms. Roy has held extended paramedic roles at RUH in both the Emergency Room and in the Intensive Care Unit, at Saskatoon City Hospital in the Progressive Care Unit and at Saskatchewan Air Ambulance. Currently Ms. Roy is part of the Professional Development Department at Medavie. She values education and holds a Certificate in Adult Continuing Education and a Bachelor of Applied Health Sciences. In May 2019, Ms. Roy became the lead instructor for the Advanced Care Paramedic Program through Medavie HealthEd. In addition, Ms. Roy has been very active in many Medavie community projects including Chairing the Operation Christmas Child for over 13 years and she was thrilled to be chosen to deliver the shoeboxes one year.
Colleen Therres – Ms. Therres became and EMR in 1999 and took her Primary Care Paramedic Program in 2001, and upgraded in 2011. She became a part of the Melfort Ambulance team in 1999. Ms. Therres assists with providing continuing education and First Responder Continuing Education, as well as being involved in many community activities. Ms. Therres is a compassionate and dedicated practitioner.
Star of Life Medal – Individual
Patty Coons – Ms. Coons took her Medical First Responder course in 1997 and was instrumental in setting up the Silton/Northshore Medical Responder’s Team that year. She has been the Coordinator for the last 22 years and recently stepped down from that position. Ms. Coons also retired from her real estate business recently as well. Ms. Coons continues to volunteer as a Medical First Responder.
Nicholas Hennink – Mr. Hennink, an Advanced Care Paramedic with Moose Jaw & District EMS, also has a passion for music - a passion to play guitar and to sing. Through Mr. Hennink’s journey in EMS, he has been able to include music. Mr. Hennink, created the “We are the Warriors” campaign which raises funds for charities that support mental wellness for emergency services. On many of Mr. Hennink’s days off, he travels the Province to meet, promote and educate, mental wellness for emergency services personnel and by doing so brings light to the topic of PTSD. He also spends many hours with local recovery groups sharing his story and opening up his time towards peer support.
Corey McNeice – Mr. McNeice has dedicated his life to paramedicine and is inspired to make it better. Mr. McNeice became a Primary Care Paramedic in 2012 and an Advanced Care Paramedic in 2017 when he joined Moose Jaw & District EMS. Mr. McNeice is always advocating for new medications or equipment that would benefit both the patient and his peers. He is also an instructor with Paramedic program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Wascana Campus and an instructor in First Aid/CPR and International Trauma Life Support. In addition, Mr. McNeice volunteers for many professional committees and community events.
Colleen Therres – Ms. Therres became and EMR in 1999 and took her Primary Care Paramedic Program in 2001, and upgraded in 2011. She became a part of the Melfort Ambulance team in 1999. Ms. Therres assists with providing continuing education and First Responder Continuing Education, as well as being involved in many community activities. Ms. Therres is a compassionate and dedicated practitioner.
Star of Life Medal – Team
Beauval Motor Vehicle Collision – On Scene Team
• Meadow Lake Road Ambulance Team – Jim Bandola, Robyn Bishop, Frank Munroe, Carah Oftedal, and Frank Richardson;
• Beauval EMS Team — Roslyn Corrigal, Cameron Harrison, and Samantha Hood;
• Isle-a-la-Crosse EMS Team — Robert Dubrule, Kalvin Jones, Megan Koskie, April Morin, and Ronda Williams
On October 25, 2019, a Meadow Lake paramedic team was responding to Beauval to transport a patient. On the way, they were involved in a motor vehicle collision that had several fatalities. Beauval EMS and Ile-a-la-Crosse EMS responded immediately. That night Saskatchewan lost one of their own, Meadow Lake Road Ambulance paramedic, Leigh Schroeder. Recognizing the challenging road conditions and, moreover, the mental strength and fortitude that the crews from Meadow Lake, Beauval and Ile-a-la-Crosse had to have was astounding as they each responded to the crash site. The feeling of helplessness, frustration, and despair, during that drive to the scene is something that will likely be with them for a lifetime. From the time the tones sounded, as each of the paramedics learned of the collision, to the paramedics arriving on scene, they each excelled as professionals, as leaders, as heroes. Their ability to support and treat their peers, as well as civilians, while recognizing the loss of one of our own, is commendable. Not only did paramedics respond to this collision, but some of them continued to work the remainder of their shift which saw them take on other critical situations that showed true strength of character and professionalism. Paramedics respond to collisions every day, and somehow this becomes normal to them. This team are heroes to us all.
Beauval Motor Vehicle Collision – Medavie Communications Team – Jackie Bartel, Pamela Bueckert, Samantha Bloomfield, Lesa Haworth, Angie Jackson, Lisa Libby, Sandi Morgan, Chantel Nast, Sarah Phurailatpam, Christine Rochelle, Auriel Rose, Michele Thomas, Breanna Willick, and Kim Wruck
On October 25, 2019 at 17:10 hours, our Saskatchewan EMS family experienced a tragic event. Meadow Lake Unit 1771, who was en route to Ile-a-la-Crosse to pick up a patient, came on the air requesting immediate assistance. They were involved in a motor vehicle collision which resulted in several fatalities, including children and one of the Meadow Lake paramedics. The gravity of the situation was apparent. The dispatchers notified and kept in close contact with multiple external agencies (RCMP, Fire Rescue, Saskatchewan Air Ambulance, STARS, hospitals and nurses). The dispatchers coordinated ambulances from Meadow Lake, Beauval, Ile-a-la-Crosse, St. Walburg, Maidstone, Spiritwood and Big River to respond to the scene, as well as, to provide coverage for Meadow Lake as they reacted to the tragedy. The professionalism and teamwork shown by everyone involved, both in Communications and ACAL, was unparalleled.
Medavie Health Services West Response Team – Patric Donnelly and Kirk Zabos – In Spring of 2019, Mr. Donnelly and Mr. Zabos responded to a private residence for an unknown problem. Once on scene, the police ushered the paramedics to the patient, a newborn that weighed no more than 500 grams. This infant was guessed to be around 22-week gestation and was in a peri arrest situation. With the assistance from their Superintendent and Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services, Mr. Donnelley and Mr. Zabos coordinated this peri arrest situation to the best of their abilities. The problem was the equipment on the unit was far too bigl for the infant. The team worked with the equipment they had and were able to transport the infant to RUH where the neonatologist stated that the only reason this infant had a chance was due to the diligence, quick thinking and treatments provided by the paramedic team.
2021 Recipients (Ceremony at 10:00 am)
Governor General Exemplary Service Medal (30 years) – First Bar
Vicki Kaltenborn – Although, Ms. Kaltenborn graduated as a Registered Nurse, her EMS career began as a volunteer first responder, in a non-formalized program. She was a nurse and if someone needed help, she went. She then started to do RN escorts when advanced care was needed. Soon after Ms. Kaltenborn trained as an EMT, and then took the EMT-Advanced program. In 2005 she completed her Intermediate Care Paramedic upgrade. Ms. Kaltenborn has worked as both a nurse and paramedic with WestMed Paramedics in St. Walburg, simultaneously, most of her career. She is a true mentor and leads by example with her high standard of care and patient advocacy top of mind.
Grant Perrin – Not many people stay with one employer, in one place their whole career, but Grant Perrin has. He started his career, as an EMR, in 1990 with Maple Creek EMS (part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority). Throughout his career, Mr. Perrin has upgraded to a Primary Care Paramedic. Mr. Perrin has also spent some time working with the Fire Service in Cypress Hills.
Guy Van Buekenhout – Mr. Van Buekenhout started his career in EMS in 1990 as an EMT. He received the Governor General Exemplary Service Medal in EMS in 2011. In the last ten years, Mr. Van Buekenhout, as an Advanced Care Paramedic, has continued to teach first responder courses in rural communities, is a positive role model to his peers, and is a very caring and detailed preceptor who enriches paramedic student’s lives with his experience and confidence.
David and Jackie Zilkie – Mr. and Mrs. Zilkie, better known as the “Zilkie Team” both joined the Consul Ambulance in 1985 as volunteer EMRs and ended their careers employed with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. During their tenure at Consul Ambulance, they raised their family and were friends with the community. When responding to calls in a town the size of Consul, that means most calls are people you know, including children or family members. Everything is close and personal and the community that you served the night before is the same community you will face in the morning. For the Zilkies, while the sacrifice was great, the honour of helping others was simply much greater. The Zilkies retired from EMS in 2020.
Governor General Exemplary Service Medal (20 years)
Jamie Appel – Ms. Appel is an Advanced Care Paramedic and Manager with the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Ms. Appel started her career as an EMT in 2000. Throughout her career, Ms. Appel has demonstrated great leadership skills. One such initiative is the Trauma Program in Regina including one of the first real-time electronic trauma documents in Canada for both nurse and physician documentation.
Mike Dansereau – Mr. Dansereau, a Community Paramedic for Parkland Ambulance in Prince Albert, has demonstrated time and time again the skills required to be an excellent community paramedic role model. Daily, Mr. Dansereau demonstrates new treatment skills, collaborates with an array of allied health professionals, consults with family, and develops a health care plan for his patients. In addition to his regular role, this past year, Mr. Dansereau has also enhanced the community paramedic portfolio in the area of COVID-19 testing.
Colin Giesbrecht – Mr. Giesbrecht, an Advanced Care Paramedic, has spent most of his career with Regina EMS, part of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. During his career, Mr. Giesbrecht has played lead roles. He is the lead paramedic in the Regina EMS infectious disease response team, the lead driving instructor, and sits on the SHA Vehicle Design Committee where he is using his knowledge to help improve the design of future ambulances. Mr. Giesbrecht is also a faculty member at Saskatchewan Polytechnic for both the PCP and ACP programs where he influences new paramedics in their growth and development.
Jeff Jackson – Mr. Jackson is an Advanced Care Paramedic with Regina EMS who has been on the TEMS team for almost 10 years where he responded with the Regina Police Service SWAT team to render his paramedic skills to their members and potential patients. Mr. Jackson also provides continuing education (medial self-aide/buddy-aide) to this team. He has been recognized by the Saskatchewan Health Authority for his role with TEMS and by the Regina City Police for his outstanding patient treatment.
Dave Manley – Dr. Manley, and EMR, joined Consul EMS in 1994 and has been both a volunteer and an employee since. Dr. Manley holds a Masters’ degree in Counseling and recently completed his doctoral degree in Rural Development. Dr. Manley often wears many hats when responding to an emergency. He is often one of the first EMS professionals on scene but also takes on other roles. One example is Dr. Manley communicating with the family of a deceased patient, debriefing with the individual who came upon the scene, touching base and providing food and support to the family, and then helping the family plan the funeral and moderating the service. When in rural Saskatchewan, the next level of care can be a distance away, but Dr. Manley shows resourcefulness, shows patience, is skilled, and has a caring heart.
Ryan Morissette – Mr. Morissette, an Advanced Care Paramedic at Regina EMS, is a shift Superintendent and held the role of Second in Command for the TEMS team for almost 10 years, working with the Regina Police Service SWAT team. Mr. Morissette is responsible for the development of the Regina EMS narcotic control system and has assisted in the development of the deployment strategy. Mr. Morissette is a well-respected mentor with students and staff alike and is a champion for EMS with the public by building positive relationships ensuring people feel valued, heard and supported.
Brent Rathy – Mr. Rathy, an Advanced Care Paramedic with the Regina EMS, is the Superintendent of Operations. An advocate for the EMS profession, Mr. Rathy has spearheaded 12 lead implementation and education sessions for paramedics in Regina and across Saskatchewan, starting the program in 1999. Mr. Rathy has also championed the “door to drug” time treatment plans which greatly improve the outcome for patients, by making this a benchmark for paramedics. Mr. Rathy is a wealth of knowledge, as demonstrated in his leadership of the field training program and an excellent paramedic.
Scott Revenko – Mr. Revenko is an Advanced Care Paramedic with Regina EMS where he is currently a paramedic with the Seniors House Calls program. In addition, Mr. Revenko has worked as a field trainer, deputy superintendent and patient safety specialist. Mr. Revenko has shown a strong commitment to education by instructing for the SIAST/Saskatchewan Polytechnic paramedic programs as well as with International Trauma Life Support. Mr. Revenko is a committed professional and strong advocate for EMS.
Ken Thompson – Mr. Thompson started his career in EMS as a volunteer first responder and has been working with Duck Mountain Ambulance Care in Kamsack since 1992, first as an EMR and then as an EMT. Mr. Thompson is also serving as the fire chief and the coroner for the Kamsack area. Mr. Thompson is the Deputy Supervisor. Mr. Thompson, is known as a hero to his colleagues and the community because of his involvement in the community. Throughout his career he has he has been involved in many situations including the delivery of a baby.
Joseph Trotter – Mr. Trotter is an Advanced Care Paramedic with Regina EMS where he is currently Deputy Superintendent. In 2014, Mr. Trotter attended the first EMS Drill Instructors course and then returned as an instructor for 2016 where he was received by “His Royal Highness, the Earl of Wessex Prince Edward”. This was the first time in Canadian history, that a Paramedic Honour Guard was received and inspected by royalty. Mr. Trotter has also been a part of the TEMS team for almost 10 years and is instrumental in recognizing his fellow paramedics by helping to deliver an annual induction/awards ceremony welcoming new employees into EMS.
Jason Williams – Mr. Williams is an Advanced Care Paramedic and Superintendent with Regina EMS. Mr. Williams has spearheaded and led teams in all areas of the advanced instructor levels including ACLS, PALS, and ITLS. His leadership has also been demonstrated in other areas of EMS, such as being in command of TEMS for almost 10 years and was instrumental in establishing the TEMS team in Regina. Mr. Williams was also responsible for the development of Regina EMS sedation protocol and MFI protocol. He has also been the driving force behind almost every major event in Regina requiring EMS involvement as the event response coordinator and planner.
Star of Life Medal – Individual
Makenzie Mydonic Chernoff – Ms. Mydonic Chernoff, a Primary Care Paramedic with Duck Mountain Ambulance in Kamsack may be the quiet, silent type, but when it comes to her commitment to her job, she is second to none. One example of Ms. Mydonic Chernoff’s valiant efforts is when she and an RCMP officer arrived on scene at a drowning. They acted quickly to save a woman who was already submerged trying desperately to save her friend. Ms. Mydonic Chernoff’s quick actions saved that woman’s life.